it easier for people to join the workforce. we've got to do more to transition people into the workforce. we have to remove disincentives, disincentivizing people from getting on the ladder of life to get on the workforce. we believe we have innovative solutions for that. number two, we have to stop locy fighters. we can't keep it this paternal listic notion that washington knows best. we have to stop the commoditycation of the poor. as stop idea of fighting poverty as some sterile concept we don't like and create a big bureaucracy and program in washington and go into communities and push them aside and say we know what's best. we have to stop doing that. if you have to describe the war on poverty as noble as effort was, this war is a stalemate. what you learn when you go into community there are people who are doing tremendous work, who are fighting poverty, eye-to-eye

soul to soul, person-to-person, who we all need to learn from. and so instead of displacing that good work we need to support it and need to back it up. the government has a very important role to play. manning the supply lines but not dictating the front lines. and so -- >> halt. halt. present. ♪

♪ o say, can youee, by the dawn's early light ♪ ♪ what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming ♪ ♪ whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight ♪. ♪ o, the ramparts we watched, were so gal lantly -- gallantly supreming ♪

♪ and the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ gave proof through the night that our flag was still there ♪ ♪ oh, say does that star spank he spank -- spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ o'er the land of the fe and the home of the brave ♪

[applause] >> forward march! hut, hut, hut. ♪

♪

♪ lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring ♪ ♪ raised with a heart holy up lift ♪ ♪ let our rejoiceing rise, high

as the lifting skies ♪ ♪ let it resound loud as the rolling sea ♪ ♪ sing a song full of faith ♪ sing our song full of the hope that the present can't honor ♪ ♪ facing the rising sun, of a

new day begun ♪ ♪ let us march on till it is won ♪ [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our emcee, louis state senator troy @. carter, sr. he first african-american -- senator of new orleans. encouraging community empowerment and efforts to eradicate urban blight as distinguished him as trailblazer in local and state government. state senator troy a. carter, sr. [applause] >> good morning. thank you to the armed forces and the armed color guard for the presentation of the colors. give them a big round of applause. [applause] and thank you to stephanie jordan for those beautiful renditions of the national

anthem and "lift every voice and sing." did you feel it? that is good native new orleans time. good soulful voices, give them a big, big round of applause. stephanie jordan. [applause] distinguished guests, friends and members of the congressional black caucus i am honored to serve as your emcee of the ceremonial swearing-in of the congressional black caucus of the 115th congress. i am also honored to be here to celebrate my dear friend, and fell louisianaian congressman richmond to the new chair of the congressional black caucus. congressman rich monday is -- [applause] if you know him, you know that he's real. he loves our people. he's committed to our community. he's a tireless worker.

he doesn't have any put-ons or put-offs. he is as real as you can get. he is a sincere and powerful and respected leader as one could ever ask for. you're blessed as we are blessed in louisiana to have him as our congressman and you are likewise blessed and this nation is likewise blessed to have him as new incoming chairman of the congressional black caucus. another big round of applause for my friend, your friend, congressman set -- set brick richmond. [applause] for more than 40 years the cbcc has remained the voice for african-americans in congress. over that same period the cbc has increasingly become a dominant force focused on social, political, economic issues impacting african-americans worldwide. members of the cbc, your

leadership on behalf of the african-american community, we're honored to pay tribute to you today. america thanks you and the world thanks you for your outstanding leadership, not just when the lights aren, not just when the cameras are rolling,ot just what it's easy but in the most difficult times, the congressional black caucus and its leadership has stood for americans, african-americans, and all americans throughout this country and beyond. give them a big, big, big round of applause. [applause] we especially want to acknowledge the only founding member who continues to serve, congressman conyers of michigan. give him a big round of applause, congressman conyers. [applause] i'd like to also at this time

recognize any founding or former members of the cbc in the audience. any former members or founding members? give them a big round ever applause. [applause] thank you for your leadership, thank you for your service. now without further adieu it is my honor to introduce the members of the congressional black caution -- caucus of the 1115th congress. in interest of time we ask you to please hold your applause until the introductions are made. representative gk, butterfield, first district of north carolina and outgoing chairman of the congressional black caucus. [applause] representative cedric l. richmond, incoming chairman, congressional black caucus.

[applause] knock it off. now in order of senority. representative john conyers, jr., 13th of district of mich, founding member. representave john lewis, fifth district of georgia. delegate eleanor holmes norton, district of columbia. representative maxine waters, 43rd district of california. representative sanford bishop, jr., second district of georgia. representative james e. clyburn, sixth district of south carolina, assistant democratic leader. representative alcee hastings, 23rd district of florida. representative eddie bernice johnson, 30th district of texas. representative bobby l. rush, first district of illinois.

representative robert c. scott, third district of virginia. representative benny g. thompson, second district of mississippi. representative sheila jackson lee, 18th district of texas. representative elijah e. cummings, second district of maryland. representative danny k. davis, second district of illinois. representative gregory w. meeks, fifth district of new york. representative barbara lee, 13th district of california. representative lacy clay, first district of missouri. representative david scott, 13th district of georgia. representive emanuel cleaver ii, fifth district, missouri.

representative al green, ninth district of texas. representative gwynn moore, fourth district. representative yvette d. clarke, 9th district of new york. representative keith ellison, fifth district of minnesota. representative hank johnson, fourth district of georgia. representative andre carson, 7th district of indiana, first vice-chair of the con expressional black caucus. representative marcia l. fudge, 11th district of ohio. representative karen bass, 37th district of california, second vice-chair, congressional black caucus. representative terry a. sewell, 7th direct of alabama.

representative fredricka wilson, 24th district of florida. representative donald m. payne, jr., 10th district of new jersey. the representative joyce beatty, third district of ohio. representative hakeem jeffries,th district of new york -- 8th district of new york. representative mark vesy, 33rd district of texas. representative robin kelly, second district of illinois. senator cory booker of new jersey. representative alma adams, 12 district of north carolina. representative brenda lawrence, fourth district of michigan, secretary, congressional black caucus. representative mia love, fourth district of utah. delegate stacy placekin

virgin islands. representative bonnie watson coleman, 12th district of new jersey. representative dwight evans, second district of pennsylvania. senator kamala harris, of california. representative lisa blount rochester, at large, district of delaware. representative anthony brown, fourth district of maryland. representative val demings, 10th district of florida. representative allah son, 5th district of florida. representative donald mceachin, fourth district of virginia. ladies and gentlemen, the congressional black caucus of the 115th congress. give them a resounding round of applause. [applause] give them a resounding round of applause. [applause] give them yet still, another round of applause.

, when you understand what these people stand for, when you understand what these people do for us, when you understand how they fight for us, tirelessly, day in day out, you will give them another round of applause. [applause] as the cbc of the 115th congress embarks, on its critical work on behalf of the american people, they do so in faith. . .

reverend green? >> let us pray. we are gathered today from across the grass of the united states of america to say thank you for the congressional black caucus of the 115th congress. thank you for the commitment of every member of this, our beloved caucus, the conscious of congress. under the leadership of our herculean german, cedric richmond, would ask you keep your hands on them as they guide our nation at the unbeknownst days ahead.

the days ahead they seem dark and cloudy but we are comforted in the rays of hope of our god of our weary ears and the god of our silent tears. for we know that it is this hope that brought us to childless slavery, reconstruction, jim crow, the civil rights movement and the election of president ba obama. therefore, we are confident in this hope that despite any goals of a twitter finger president-elect and his cabinet he will give these, your servant leaders, other congressional black caucus strength to stand. strength to stand in the face of adversity, on behalf of the four, for those who need affordable health care, for those who need criminal justice reform, for those who need access to education and a living wage and quality housing. and now, lord, let us go forth and stand up for democracy that unites rather than divides.

let us go forth knowing that love, liberty, justice and equality for all is the only order of the day. let us go forth to understand that the universe silencing of humanity far supersedes democratic or republican partisanship. let us go forward lowered, that we must toil and stride together for a more perfect union for black lives matter. let us go forth knowing that there is a higher, more power working in the universe that will erode justice down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. let us go forth and sing a song full of the faith of the dark pastpast, sing a song full of he that the president has brought us facing the rising sun of our new day begun. let us go forth until victory is won. amen. [applause] >> this song was made famous by

the one and only -- ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ic leaves of green, red roses, to ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ [a

lause] >> ladies and gentlemen, the congressional black caucus foundations president and ceo, ms. washington. [applause] >> good morning. on behalf of the congressional black caucus foundation, it is my pleasure to welcome you distinguished guests, colleagues, friends and members of congress to today's ceremonial swearing-in for the members of the congressional black caucus and the 115th congress. i would like to recognize and thank the cbc board of directors and corporate advisory council members for the ongoing engagement and avoid work. if i could ask all numbers of our board of directors and corporate advisory council to please stand and be recognized at this time.

[applause] >> thank you to outgoing cbc chairman representative g. k. butterfield, thank you for your leadership, partnership and long-standing commitment to champion issues critical to the black community, and to all america. [applause] >> to the new cbc chairman, representative cedric richmond, congratulations on the high honor of leading the congressional black caucus and the 10,015th congress. we look forward to your leadership and strengthen our partnership to address the critical issues facing our nations african-american and underserved communities. the 10,015th congress 15th congress will have the largest cbc in history with 49 members. [applause] and this means that the people making decisions for all

americans will better reflect the diversity of our nation from its inception to its present dayday, the cbc has used its considerable political power to elevate and expand the public policy debate on several issues impacting the black community. today's ceremony also embodies the cbc core mission, values and institutional initiative to advance the global black community by develing leaders and rming policy and educating the public. while the cbc grows in numbers, the remains of a lack of diversity and inclusion when it comes to senior staff placement in sin and congressional offices. and cbc is committed to doing its part to change the landscape of the capitol hill and we are doing so with one of our newest initiatives, emerge 535. launched -- [applause] thank you. launched in 2013 and continuing over the next several years, the

cbc f will expand opportunities for emerging african-american leaders by providing 535 internships and fellowship placement and capitol hill offices and on committees. however, we will only be successful in moving this forward if we are united. the cbc remains an integral partner integration of the foundations leadership development program. we know your commitment to our progress over the years no whent been possible without your courage, sacrifice and desire to help us build a platform for rising leaders and public servants. in closing, i would like to extend a special thank you to our event partners for today's ceremonyceremony, and especiallr platinum sponsors fedex and bristol-myers squibb. [applause] >> my thanks also to honda, general motors and at&t. your collective generosity and

support has made this morning possible. thank you as well to the cbc staff, our distinguished program participants, my staff at cbcf and are incredible volunteers. we appreciate your commitment, enthusiasm and continued support and know that we could not do what we do without you. the congressional black caucus foundation is proud to host the ceremonial swearing in of the congressional blac caucus. this time-horetradion recognize our nations african-american members of congress who demonstrate every day their dedication and commitment to our communities and to our nation. thank you so much for your presence here this morning, and once again, congratulations to the members of the congressional black caucus and the 115th congress. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure and honor to

welcome democratic leader nancy pelosi to give remarks in celebration of the swearing-in of the cbc. after next opposed to, steny hoyer will be greetings followed by assistant democratic leader representative james clyburn. ladies and gentlemen, leader pelosi. [applause] >> good morning, everyone. it is my honor and all of you along with our distinguished steny hoyer, james clyburn, a great force in the congress of the united states. as we gather here today to celebrate the swearing in of the congressional black caucus, and welcome five new members, isn't that exciting quick some of them representing districts that have

never been represented an african-american member before. thereby increasing numbers. and to be here with our distinguished ranking member, so many committees in the congress. my message today to you is a little different from before because some -- something different happened this year. this year when many of us were present, when we were dedicated to the african-american museum. wasn't that a spectacular occasion? [applause] it is a museum about truth, and truth is something that this congressional black caucus has always been about. you have heard it said over and over again that the congressional black caucus is the conscience of the congress. and, indeed, of the country. under leadership of mr. butterfield, great progress has been made.

now we welcome a new chairman, cedric richmond. congratulations to you, good luck to you for your leadership. thank you, mr. mr. butterfield for your leadership as well. but the truth is that in the past couple of years, there has come i don't want to be partisan herehere, but there's been an attempt on the part of some in the congress to block this president from appointing a justice of the supreme court, something that has never happened before. that was wrong. that was wrong. the constitution says the president shall nominate, the senate shall review that, to confirm. what has also happened is that they have ignored our call to

pass the voting rights act directions after the supreme court. we cannot let this stand. we cannot let this stand. and the strength that we ve for not just an african-american president to make an appointment or not just for voting rights to be important to the individuals are deprived of them, but for the greatness of america. this is not just an insult as it was intended to be. it is an insult to america. so the truth is that at this great museum where we have memory, where we recognize the ability of our country to change, where we recognize that talent, the vision that accounting of benefits from because we changed, that we

cannot let people shut up at our events in selma and then come home and say, that's all you're going to get in terms of voting rights. [applause] we can't do that. so again, we welcome we consider everything an opportunity. right here before our very eyes we see the intellect, the integrity, the imagination to have an impact on this congress and on this country that is for the good -- it's not about democrats. it's not about republicans. it's about america. the greatness of america is affected by how they have rejected the ability of our president to appoint a jusce. how th have rejected our calls for correcting the injustice of

the supreme court decision. it's all about justice. st. augustine, 17th century, he said that any government that is informed, is in power and does not promote justice is just a bunch of thieves. that's what he said, 17 centuries ago. so how do we define justice? justice in the courts, social, l justice, economic justice. environmental justice. justice in every way. that has been the work of the congressional black caucus. so it is indeed a cause for celebration when we come together to have this ceremonial swearing in. transix, thank you for bringing us all together for your leadership at the foundation. thk you all for your support of the congressional black caucus and the congressional black caucus foundation.

and you are helping, in your car to be in that regard, political, financial, and every way. you are makimeri a great place. congratulations, my college. i i look forward to working with you. thank you all for the opportunity share some thoughts with you this week. god bless you all. god bless america. god bless this black caucus. [applause] >> and now i yield to the distinguished gentleman from maryland, this thing was democratic whip of the house steny hoyer. [applause] >> good morning. i am so honored to be included in this program. shuanise, i want to thank you for your leadership of this congressional black caucus foundation. it does extraordinary work.

i've had some of your interns in my office. what an extraordinary,ing of the future, the foundation makes.thank you very much. [applause] >> chairman butterfield, congratulations for your leadership and for your strong voice, reflecting the strong voice of the congressional black caucus. [applause] cedric richmond, we welcome you as the new chair of the congressional blackaucus. the heavy responsibility, and you are up to the task. your colleagues have said that. but we want you to keep your pitching arm in shape as well. [laughter] >> vice chair, second vice chair karen bass, secretary brenda

lawrence, gwen moore, that's a tough whip, ladies and gentlemen,. [applause] >> tamale harris, anthony brown, valerie dennings, john mcgeech mcgeechan, lisa blunt rochester, and that senior member of the freshman class, aybe the junior member of the sophomore class, i'm not sure how dwight looks at his status, but i'm sure he is lowering his seniority over all of you. when the congressional black caucus was founded, ladies and gentlemen, they would've only been a partial first row. not the second, not the third, not the fourth, and not a full first row. with, a long way.

i want to thank chairman butterfield for his extraordinary service, particularly his commitment to advancing the cbc mission of economic justice. we heard in this election a lot of people who are hurting and have reached out for change. i congratulate incoming chairman richmond on being chosen to lead the cbc at this critical and challenging juncture. today the cbc celebrates its largest caucus in history, 49 strong. not quite the percentage, but very close. 49 members of congress. more than 10% of the congress. and about 25% of the democratic

caucus. this congress, six members members will serve as ranking members of the committees. strong, able, grounded voices work since the founding 1971 the cbc has become, as nay poted out and as we all referenced, the conscience of the congress. and the congress and the country need a conscience, need a strong voice for principled execution of the laws and adoption. as our friends, ranking member john conyers remembers, he was among 50 original members at a time when some in congress wanted to close the book on the civil rights movement after passage of landmark legislation of the 1960s.

but he can also attest that the work civil rights and economic justice was far from completed, and today remains so here if i were in my church today i would say, do i hear an amen. and the creation of the cbc was a powerful reminder to the congress and to the country that the civil rights movement and efforts to secure justice and equal opportunity for all would continue to this day. very frankly, some of us believe we have been at high point in the achievement and the proximity of that goal. and then we have been at low points, when that goal has been at risk. draw your conclusions as to where we are today. today we face a renewed challenge. now when a 20% of the cbc

remains at the forefront of economic issues, justice issues and civil and human rights both at home and around the world. its members also lead what it comes to the critical work of ensuring that young people, young people of color, do not have too few for the lies when therthey walk down the street or have an encounter with law enforcement. the congressional black caucus is testament to the fact that black lives matter. [applause] and more important now than ever there working hard to defend the value of mutual respect, that every american to be seen as equal, not only in the eyes of the law, but in the eyes of one's fellow americans that i been tried were close with the

cbc over the years look for to continuing our work together in the 115th congress. congratulations to our new members who joined an extraordinary group of americans. know that we don't all share the same color. martin luther king taught us, however, it was the content of our character, not the superficial color of our skin, that mattered. so as john lewis calls us all brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters committed to the character of a great country, to the principles of a great declaration, and the constitution which we will swear to defend this afternoon.

stephanie jordan saying a song. i'm not sure if louis armstrong were singing that song today, not necessary as beautiful as stephanie saying it, but with great passionate feeling, because he would've been as confident today as he was then that this is a beautiful world. our citizens have sent us here to make sure that their world is as beautiful as we can make it. god bless you. godspeed. thank you for your service. [applause] >> chair washington and members

of the board of the foundation, mr. butterfield, other committee members and members of the 115th congress, to aian cedric richmond and the executive committee members, and my colleagues in the 115th congress, to all of our former members who are here, former staffers, to all from other walks of life, that we interact with, as we try to carry out the business of a congress of our duties and responsibilities to our colleagues. to my homeboy, jesse jackson,

sr., and others from the civil rights community, it is with great honor and significant anxiety that i welcome all of you to this occasion. george santayana, someone who i quote often, once wrote, if we fail to learn the lessons of our history, we are bound to repeat them. we are here today in the hopes that all of us have learned the lessons of our history. we are here today to install new

officers for the congressional black caucus that sit before you today in historic numbers. all of us, irrespective of what may be our current pursuit or adherence, all of us got our beginnings, our foundations in the black church. and what of the underpinnings of that foundation is found in the book of matthew, the 25th verse, the 45th verse where we are taught that we are expected to you for the least of these. but few of us ever pay close attention to what is going on with a masters teachings prior to the 45th verse and that

expression. there is a parable of -- where we are taught by the master, that all of us are given -- some more than others. but we are taught that even if you fail to use that one talent that you may have, you lose it. each and every one of the people who sit before you bring to the 115th congress at different set of experiences. as i often say to my children and grandchildren, two of whom are here with me today, we can

be no more, nor will be ever be any less of what our experiences allow us to be. the experiences that these men and women have hopefully will be used to build a foundation for our children and grandchildren. why in which they look upon history for lessons, and hopefully not a future. [applause] >> state senator troy carter senior. >> the swearing in of the congressional members is a

long-standing tradition that celebrates and signifies the start of the new congress. a passing the baton of sorts, a beginning of aew eand others. and speaking of passing the baton, the ceremonial oath of office will be administered by the honorable cleo fields. field is a former member of the united states congress from 1993-1997 from the fourth congressional district of louisiana. congressman fields has been an incredible leader in louisiana and in our nation. it is befitting that someone of hicaliber and of his strength anthat his character and leadership would be here today to administer the oath of office. ladies and gentlemen, give a round of of applause from the honorable cleo fields.

[applause] >> thank you, senator. with the chairman elect, the honorable cedric richmond from the second international district of louisiana please stand? along with all officers and members of the congressional black caucus for the 115th congress. all officers and members of the congressional black caucus. [laughter] >> gentle ladies and gentlemen, please raise your right hand and repeat after me. i, state your name, do affirm that i will support and defend the constitution of the united states, against all enemies,

foreign and domestic, that i will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that i take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. and that i will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office i which i am about to enter. so help me god. >> so help me god. >> congratulations, godspeed, and continue to be the conscience of the congress. [applause]

>> now at this time i would like to introduce, represent rather, cbc chairman g. k. butterfield of the 100 14th congress. representative butterfield is in his seventh term serving north carolina's first congressional district. his hard work and commitment to improving the quality of life of his constituents, african-americans and all americans has earned congressman butterfield the confidence and respect of his peers. under his leadership, the cbc has strengthened educational opportunities for african-american students, and hbcus, and advocated to restore section five of the voting rights act, the cbc continues to also help alleviate persistent poverty and other disparities that plague

communities across the nation. although these accomplishments are significant, representative butterfield knows the work to advance the african-american community is far from finished. his determination and dedication to stand up for others has made him one of the most recognizable and effective leaders in congress. ladies and gentlemen, to the -- give a big round of applause to the outgoing chairman of the congressional black caucus, representative revealed. [applause] >> thank you. thank you so very much. we can say that for cedric. this is his day. thank you so very much, senator carter, for the for the very kind and generous words of introduction. to the other program participants, including my good

friend cleo fields, and to the musicians and the young pastors who participated earlier today. thank you so very much for coming. to the congressional black caucus foundation, who made this day possible and has done this down throughout thyes,hank you very much to ceo shuanise washington and your entire staff. thank you so much for your incredible, incredible work. to our founding member, the dean of the house of representatives, the honorable congressman john conyers, jr., thank you so very much. [applause] to our assistant, to our assistant democratic leader, our beloved jim clyburn to do so much for so many every day of his life, thank you congressman clyburn. [applause] >> to the executive committee members who served so ably and to the other cbc members, past

and present, and to all of you, to all of you who have come from far and near to support us on this day, ladies and gentlemen. let me begin by thanking my cbc colleagues for entrusting the gavel, this thing right here, for entrusting the gavel to me for the past two years. i wanted to share these thoughts with you at our last meeting but, unfortunately, we ran out of time, but i separate wanted to say dan and i want to say to you now thatou gave me one of the highest honors of my life. and i've had a lot of honors in my life, but this has been one of the highest honors of my lifetime, and i thank you so very much. though it has been a huge challenge, a as you can imagine, to lead 46 very talented politicians, it has been an honor. it has been most rewarding, and

i thank you so very much. now, anyone who serves in congress knows so well that we cannot do this work without the support of our families. to the families who are here, d to those who may be watching electronically, thank you. thank you for your tremendous love and support for our work. [applause] >> i especially want to recognize the dozens, yes, the dozens of congressional staff who support our work. those staffers who work here in washington and those in the district we cannot do this work withou your dediced service. you are appreciated. [applause] you are appreciated not only by

your individual member, but you are appreciated by all of us collectively. and finally, the four cbc staff and the supporting interns, including 30-year-old jonathan riley who left his desk in my office one friday, became ill over the weekend and passed away. i want to thank you, the staff, the interns for your tireless work every day to lift up the cbc, to enable us to pursue our agenda. you have been most confident -- copied it into work and we thank you so very much. [applause] -- competent. 2016 is now in our rearview mirror. what a year. we find ourselves facing a very difficult political and

legislative environment. unlike any event we have ever, ever seen before. but i promise you, the cbc will rise to the occasion, and we will meet these new challenges. [appuse] the consequences, the consequenc are toonormous for us to be indecisive and allow ultraconservative forces and the forces of the old right to defend our nation. we will be strategic and will be unified in our work in the next congress, which begins at noon today. there is no question that cedric, lavonne, cedric lavonne richman -- that's what his mama named him. [laughter] don't blame me. but there is no question that

this brother, cedric lavonne richman, generation x, is well suited and well prepared to lead us in confronting these new challenges. cedric, i am proud of you. you know that. these baby boomers, most of these that i'm looking at, these baby boomers are proud of you and we're ready to get to work. we know that you will take this caucus to a new level, to a different level of advocacy to protect our constituents from the harm that will be inflicted if we don't fight back. cedric, this is your time. i look forward to working with you. and most importantly, i look forward to following your leadership as you lead 49 members of this great caucus, c, the largest caucus in our history. at this time it is my pleasure,

it is my honor, it is my joy to transfer the gavel -- [laughter] that's what marcia fudge told me last year. i know the feeling, marsha. it is my joy, in all seriousness, it is my nor transferhe gavel of the chair of the congressional black caucus for the 115th congress to our friend, cedric richmond. [applause] [inaudible conversations] >> thank you. our members are like a family,

and our common bond is love. and in like a family, you know everything about everybody here but the one thing we know, and g. k. just exhibited, as he said, cedric, no, this is my gavel, we will have to get you another one. [laughter] that g. k. is tight. [laughter] let me first start off by thanking my family who believed in me when i was 25 years old and said, i want to run for office. fresh ou law school, spent alof my inheritance and then i told my family, after i spent it so that they had to buy and also, and my mother contributed dearly, and my brother was silly enough to share a joint bank account with me -- [laughter] so he contributed far more than he ever knew. [laughter] and to my wife who allows me to

get on a plane at the beginning of the week and come up here and fight for my constituents and for people in this country while she raises the little one right there on her own who has his headphones on because he doesn't want to hear what daddy has to say. so just ask my wife, my mother, my sister-in-law, stephanie, and, stephanie, and my brother to please stand and be recognized. [applause] >> let me thank my colleagues in the cbc who gave me this voter confidence and this awesome responsibility for the next two years. and their love and their support and the guidance and their mentor ship has meant the world to me over the last six years.

and to chairman butterfield, thank you for your leadership. someone once said that a politician thinks about the next election, and a statesman thinks about the next generation. what i want you to do is look at these 48 quintessential states women and men who think about the next generation, but more importantly, do what is required of them, and that is to love mercy and to do justice. so please give these 48 members of the cbc a big round of applause. [applause] and thank you to shuanise and the cbcf for all the hard work that you do. and most times it's behind the scenes and not at a fancy event like this, but you all do it. you worked tirelessly and to get results, so thank you very much.

we have assembled this want to celebrate historic achievements and technology the progress of the congressional black caucus as an institution. we now stand 49 members strong, bipartisan, bicameral, with two of our members serving in the united states senate. just to be clear clear, that's 9 members from 49 different districts speaking with one voice. our members are in leadership and had committees on every major issue debated in congress. our members are on the forefront of providing the moral clarity and intellectual strength to light america's path forward. our members represent 78 million americans, 24% of the population, and 17 million african-americans representing 41% of the african-american

population in this country. and that population is spread out through different parts of the country, urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural counties. we continue to celebrate the past eight years of successful leadership with one of our own in the white house. there is much to celebrate, and that is due to the heroes and she rose that came before us. legendary people like john lewis and eleanor holmes norton who remind us of the progress our country has made and her people have seen. revolutionary leaders like maxine waters and bobby rush who remind us of the many battles that we have waged and the many battles we have one. social justice warriors like jim clyburn and elijah cummings who show us every day the importance of fighting, fighting for what's right and fighting for what's

just. brilliant luminaries like bobby scott and barbara lee who helped like this nations past for a more prosperous and inclusive future. and our next generation of strong courageous leaders like yvette clarke, hakeem jeffries, andré carson, marc veasey, and the list goes on, and you see the talent appear. however, we will miss a profound opportunity if we only have a two celebrate. we will not do the people we represent justice if we don't acknowledge the mood of people of color throughout this nation. there are many americans, especially black americans, who can't understand how we got here today, coming off of eight years of hope, pride and inspiration. they are fearful of the current state of division, hate and pettiness.

many of our young people are frustrated with the fact that they seem to be fighting the same causes that dr. king and reverend jackson and john lewis, and many others, galvanized, galvanized the country behind during the civil rights movement. and that'ss, justice and common humanity in 1853, theodore parker, the abolitionist, unitarian minister and quintessential thinker, told us i do not pretend to understand the moral universe, the arc is a long one, but from from what i see i am sure bends toward justice. a century later during the civil rights movement, dr. martin luther king, jr. and an admirer of parker, quoted his lost prophecy during marches and speeches, reminding us that this point that we still no holds

true today. often he would ask in a refrain, how long? not long. he would finish in a flurry. not long because the art of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. members of the cbc know this all too well. while others have thrown up their hands, hung their heads, paralyzed by frustration, the members of the cbc have remained focused and driven. they have remained the conscience of the congress. members like shirley chisholm who during her historic term fought to combat hunger in our community and worked to expand opportunity to women in the labor force, and children in the classrooms. members like charlie rangel who fought to maintain america's commitment to the least of the, and move communities of color closer to economic freedom. members like john conyers was dedicated his life to helping

people helping people of color find the justice in the criminal justice system. even though -- [applause] >> even though it doesn't look like it sometimes, including now, the arc is still pending. however, it does not bend on its own. it takes people of all ages and races with the moral conviction and strength to make it banned. the 49 members of the cbc are committed to do our part, to provide the leadership, engage the people across this country, and fight shoulder to shoulder to ensure that the arc continues to bend. we cannot do it alone. we need the fire, passion and talent of young people to use the tools and resources of today, to capture the nation and to give light to our movement. as we all know it was young

women and young men who were on the front lines of the fight for freedom in the '60s, and it is no different today. we need the wisdom and clarity and foresight of our elders so that we can stand on their shoulders so that we can achieve much greater height. if we do not learn from our past, our future will be more of the same. as i close i want to tell you what you can expect from the cbc this congress. we will confront those who seek to divide us. we will be clear about our demands on behalf of lakh people across this country. we will venture outside of washington regularly to engage our people and places that they live, and the places that they work and in the places that they worship. we will heed the many lessons from our leaders who came before, but we will innovate and evolved to tackle the challenges of today.

we will be deliberate in o thought and actions, and we will engage on our own terms. we have the strength and the courage of our ancestors to provide this passage passage, wo survived slavery and segregation and jim crow. and in that spirit we won't give in. we won't give up and we won't fall back. we will continue to bend the arc towards justice. [applause] >> to be clear, in fact, to be crystal clear, we won't dance if we're not at a party we are not going to laugh if nothing is funny. we're not going to scratch if nothing is itching, and we are never going to run because we are never scared and we never will be. they can't bless you appear may god keep you, and we look forward to the next two years. [applause]

>> ladies and gentlemen,, i wat you to sing along with me. i was asked to choose a song to serenade cedric and this wonderful caucus, and i chose this song and want you to sing along with me. it's real simple. you will get it real fast. and we mean it from the bottom of our heart to all of you and our new leader cedric richmond. it goes like this. ♪ show your self mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself on some in the midst of a song ♪ ♪ with a time of trouble, people give you a song ♪ ♪ show your self mighty -- sing it with me -- show yourself strong ♪

♪ show your self mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself awesome in the midst of the song ♪ ♪ in the time of trouble, he will give you a song. show your self mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show your self mighty, show yourself strong. let me hear you sing it. ♪ show you yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself awesome, in the midst of a storm. in the time of trouble, people give you a song ♪ ♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪

♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself awesome ♪ and the type of trouble he will give you a song, show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong ♪ ♪ just show yourself. show yourself, show yourself ♪ ♪ show yourself, show yourself ♪ show yourself, show yourself ♪ show yourself ♪ show yourself mighty, show

yourself strong ♪ ♪ show yourself mighty, show yourself strong a note. [applause] thank you. spirit ladies and gentlemen, thank you to stephanie jordan, accompanied by marlon and rachel jordan. [applause] >> state senator troy carter will close the program. ..

[applause] >> an awesome responsibility for indeed cannot than later. i like to personally name my dear friend for this great opportunity, the humbling opportunity to be with you today. but i have to tell you, i really cannot care as a part of a golf bag.

-- golf bet, one that i did not win. he decided to let me come and do this. give him a round of applause. [applause] we think the congressional black caucus report is a committed service as a conscious of congress as we began the 115 congress, we look forward to your steadfast leadership and commitment to ensuring equal rights for all americans. with the members of the cbc please stand? ladies and gentlemen, please join me and giving a round of applause and saluting the members of the congressional black caucus foundation, these outstanding men and women for their outstanding service, what they have done and what they will do in the 115th congress. give them a big round of applause.

[cheers and applause] we look forward to witnessing the important work of the dynamic leaders that we celebrate today appeared we invite the audience to create the cbc members at the reception outside the theater following the cbc members class photo. thank you very much for sharing this event. this concludes our program. god bless you all and god bless america. cbc members please remain on stage for ford of graphs. god bless you all. [inaudible conversations]

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solo type. a few more moments and we will let you go. ♪ [inaudible conversations] ♪ >> are we all sat? photographers at top in the balcony, waving her hand. we are just going to take it few quick photos. the photographer up top.

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